The Potential and Role of Three-Dimensional Computed Tomography in Diagnosing Calcaneal Fractures and Their Consequences at the Current Stage of Development (Literature Review)

Aim. To systematize and analyze current data on the potential of three-dimensional computed tomography in the preoperative planning phase for patients with calcaneal fractures.

Materials and Methods. A systematic review of literature sources was conducted following the PRISMA-ScR [8] method for the period from January 1, 2019, to March 1, 2026, across the international and national bibliographic databases PubMed, Scopus, and eLibrary. The final number of articles included in the review is 36. Among them, 2 articles are of level I evidence (systematic reviews), and the remaining 34 are of levels III and IV evidence according to the classic scale of the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine.

Results. Based on the results of the systematic literature review, the potential of three-dimensional computed tomography for both acute and consolidated calcaneal fractures has been identified.

Conclusion. Three-dimensional computed tomography modeling marks a qualitative shift in the paradigm of diagnosis and preoperative planning for calcaneal fractures. Its most important advantage is its superior accuracy and reproducibility. However, 3D modeling acquires its greatest value in the context of personalizing surgical intervention, including for calcaneal fractures that have consolidated in a displaced position.

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